Trim question on 2005 Chaparral 196

[SkiGuy1980]

I just test drove one of the cleanest used boats I've ever stepped aboard. It's a well-appointed 2005 Chaparral 196 SSI with the 4.3L Merc. Even though it's a bit shorter than I wanted I loved almost everything about the boat. The only concern was that the bow would start to bob or porpoise if the lower unit trim was raised off dead bottom. I was thinking it could be prop related, but really not sure. Any ideas on a fix (or is this inherent with this particular hull/engine)?

 

[savetexomabeaches]

look into getting some Smart Tabs --- man I LOVE those things

 

[jkust]

A couple things, chaps were expensive and people took care of them plus the materials are superior and hold up well. I've never encountered a chap that didn't look like it was new other than dock rash at worst.
As for well appointed, the 4.3 would've been the base power hich makes it not well appointed. I hope it is at least the MPI engine. Also then the 196 had a short run. The last year of the early model was 2002 then it was picked back up and started production again in 2010 with a new hull if my recollection is correct. Some would say the new hulls didn't ride as nice as the earlier models. Which year then is your boat?

As for the porpoising, the prop can cause some of that and can be mitigated by trying out some different ones. Trim tabs will completely stop it which is likely the most robust solution. The older version of that hull liked to porpoise a bit don't know about the newer version. I've also seen a boat porpoise from having water intrusion which was completely hidden as it was a pristine Chaparral the same as the early 196 hull.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Smart Tabs. $100 here on iboats. They will take care of porpoising. A great product, and the folks at Nauticus provide outstanding customer service.

 

[SkiGuy1980]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback.... I can't disagree that the 4.3 is just barely enough (would really prefer the 5.0 MPI). The well appointed really went to the tower, wireless perfect pass, stereo, and overall condition of it all (not a scratch or mark anywhere). I was a little confused by the 196 Perfect Vee marking as well... I didn't find that model in any 2005 literature. I'm used to a bigger boat, but could be comfortable with this one if it felt more stable on plane.

 

[bonder]

Another vote for Smart Tabs, makes a huge difference in reducing bow rise and low speed handling/wander

 

[QBhoy]

Couple of things worth noting....
If the boat had a full tank and people sitting on the back during the test drive.....man she is sure to porpoise a little. The fuel tank is likely to hold at least 100 litres.
Careful trimming and weight distribution should sort all this out. Don't worry too much about it.
Being a 2005 model...she would be into the "mpi" engine spec option. If she is an mpi...I can't recommend them enough. Superb power and economy.
As for the smart tab recommendations....mmm. To me, the jury is out still. I don't think a boat like this needs them....plus, I've never been a fan of drilling holes in anything that floats.

 

[QBhoy]

Also....4.3 in any guise is fine for this boat, in my opinion. Plenty of power and surely the most reliable Merc engine ever ?

 

[savetexomabeaches]

I've never been a fan of drilling holes in anything that floats.

There is a huge one in the back of most, the shape of a key hole :lol:

 

[SkiGuy1980]

I think I'm going to go a different route... also 2005, but a 204 SSI with a 5.0 MPI. The boat was quick to plane (around 5 seconds) and smooth across the water (no bobbing). Don't know if it is the increased hull length or the bigger umph from the engine, but I think this will be a nice choice! The boat doesn't have the tower... or the perfect pass.. but it does look like new.

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[jkust]

I think I'm going to go a different route... also 2005, but a 204 SSI with a 5.0 MPI. The boat was quick to plane (around 5 seconds) and smooth across the water (no bobbing). Don't know if it is the increased hull length or the bigger umph from the engine, but I think this will be a nice choice! The boat doesn't have the tower... or the perfect pass.. but it does look like new.

Thanks for all the feedback!

The 204 is a nice choice and really like the 5.0 MPI vs the 4.3 1800's technology carb. I very much dislike towers as we would use one maybe twice per year then you have to lay it down to get into the boat lift or have the boat lift top much higher with far less protection and even then you need to add curtains. Perfect pass would be nice for that twice per year use for us as well.

 

[QBhoy]

5.0 mpi is a great engine....when it isn't throwing the usual sensor faults at you.